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Original poster

Canon EOS 400d - where's the flash ?

13 replies

Mojomummy · 02/04/2007 21:57

Decided we need a new camera so we can take decent photos of our DD's. I've heard the the canon is excellent, easy to use etc etc. I'm pricing it up & can't get my head around what I need to buy..the basic body, the extra lens & the flash. If I buy body only, can I take photos inside & will they be ok, do you need a flash inside ? do I need the extra lens ?

Ok I should probably know more about cameras before I make such a big purchase, but our old one has just broken (&it was rubbish) & my 8mth DD is just so beautiful at the moment, I want to capture her

OP posts:
Surfermum · 02/04/2007 21:59

Dh has a 350d and the flash is built in. He bought it as a body only from Ebay as he already had the lenses to go on it.

The flash will automatically come on if it's needed. You don't have to switch it on or off.

But that's the 350d and I know nothing about a 400d (but I guess they might be similar) [grin[.

GreenandBlackOtter · 02/04/2007 22:00

it has inbuilt flash

Yorkiegirl · 02/04/2007 22:02

Message withdrawn

Original poster
Mojomummy · 02/04/2007 22:09

I feel such a fool I've just found something which says it has a built in flash.

I'm confused because you can buy an additional flash ?

Do I just buy the 'body' ? I'm hunting around for the best prices - where did you get yours from ?

OP posts:
MaryBS · 03/04/2007 22:43

I have a 350D. You'll need a lens with the camera (unless you have one already). Some people buy the body only, either because they already have a lens, or they're fussy over what lens they buy.

Sometimes you can get a kit with 2 lenses, one of which will be a bigger zoom lens.

The internal flash is fine for most purposes. But if you buy an external flash, you can do things like the direction of the flash, plus its bigger (so produces a bigger flash?). I find using an external flash awkward so I don't bother (I had one for my last camera and never used it).

DH got mine for me from Jessops as a prezzie- but then I wouldn't guarantee he got the best price there as he's not a bargainhunter like I am

Original poster
Mojomummy · 04/04/2007 09:48

thanks - I haven't bought it yet, I'm still stuck on the zoom. A review describes the lens that comes with the kit as tat, so am thinking of just buying the body & then adding the lens later...

Might have to pop into Jessops & see what they have to say.

OP posts:
MaryBS · 04/04/2007 17:47

If its the same lens that came with my 350D, I've not had any problems with it at all, the quality of the pix have been superb, but then I'm no expert.

emat · 04/04/2007 22:52

I just got a 400d a few weeks ago and love it! I am a little dissapointed with the lens for things like protraits but I'm not a professional photographer so it's ok for me.

1980cat · 05/04/2007 11:56

If you are still looking for one Tesco have them in their sale for £400.

My sister has the 350D and has had no problems with the lens but they are easy enough to get different ones.

Kelly1978 · 05/04/2007 11:58

I have the 350d, and thought it was fine for portraits. I've got another lens for lond distance shots. Not noticed any flash problems, but do get blur in very dark conditions, I don't know if that is a flash issue?

MaryBS · 06/04/2007 07:58

I've been pleased with my portraits too (350D). I took a lot of pictures at my sister's wedding, and some of them are as good as the official photographers (and thats thanks to the camera rather than anything I did!).

I wonder if the lens is the same on both cameras?

Kelly, what lens do you use for long range shots?

RubberDuck · 06/04/2007 08:19

I have the 400D and it is a fantastic camera.

Kelly: what shutter speed are you using in dark conditions? If it's less that 1/60s (even if using in Program mode, you'll see on the display what shutter speed and aperture it's chosen for you) then you won't be able to hold it still enough to avoid camera shake.

Ways to avoid camera shake:

  • pop up the flash
  • use a tripod
  • check that you're holding the camera in a way that reduces camera shake (cup your hand under the lens with your other hand to support it)
  • use in aperture priority mode (Av) and choose a wider aperture (lets in more light so can have shorter exposure time).

Wider apertures have smaller numbers (confusing I know) like f3.5. But with a smaller aperture you'll reduce your depth of field (the range of distance in your photograph which is in focus).

RubberDuck · 06/04/2007 08:21

For low light you can also get a "faster" lens. The Canon 50mm f1.8 lens is very reasonably priced at £70 and is handy if you need wider apertures for low light.

Another low light tip is to increase the ISO on the camera (check your manual how to do this). The higher the ISO number the greater the sensitivity to light - but bear in mind that the higher ISOs tend to make a much grainier picture.

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